BAE to promote links with schools in Bangalore

Aeronautics major BAE Systems has committed 100,000 pounds to help school students in Bangalore develop a better understanding of science and engineering as part of the recently launched UK-India Education and Research Initiative.

Aeronautics major BAE Systems has committed 100,000 pounds to help school students in Bangalore develop a better understanding of science and engineering as part of the recently launched UK-India Education and Research Initiative.

BAE already has a presence in Bangalore through its partner, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). It is hoped that by building an education alliance between the areas, Britain will benefit from the burgeoning Indian economy.

As part of the initiative, schools in Brough in east England will link up with counterparts in Bangalore. BAE has a factory in Brough, which produces Hawk jets. Its financial commitment of 100,000 pounds will be spread over three years.

Teachers from the Brough Primary School have visited Bangalore to help finalise arrangements for the scheme. Isabel Peirson, headteacher of the Springfield Avenue School, said: "Both primary and secondary schools are participating and the initiative will be delivering curriculum-based activity around citizenship and linked to a better understanding of science and engineering."

The UK-India Education & Research Initiative is being led by the British Council - the Government department responsible for Britain's international cultural links-and the Department for Education & Skills.

Tony Arksey, BAE's Brough site director, said: "We'll be able to inform students in Britain and India about the roles of BAE Systems and HAL engineers, some of whom are parents of these pupils.

"At a primary school level, we hope to cultivate a greater understanding of cultural similarities and differences between the Britain and India, which should lead to real value in future collaboration between the Indian and Britain's economies."

Dick Olver, chairman of BAE Systems, said: "BAE Systems invests heavily in educational initiatives that promote science and engineering to students of all ages. This UK-India initiative is an excellent opportunity for us to share our experience in giving students a better understanding of science and engineering, and in helping to strengthen education links between the two countries."

BAE Systems said that it aimed to build on its relationship with HAL around the Hawk contract where HAL technicians already spend periods at the company's site at Brough, learning about how its engineers build and maintains the Hawk aircraft.